McDermott: Pavel is a great guy

Reading manager Brian McDermott has sung the praises of his new signing Pavel Pogrebnyak, hinting at a long-term future at the club.

The 28-year old completed his move to the Royals on Thursday, after a court hearing granted the Russian his work permit. The former Stuttgart forward has signed on a free transfer on a four-year contract, with a contract worth around £6 million. He will join up with the Royals squad next week.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC site, McDermott said: ‘It’s been a long process to get Pavel to the club and now he’s officially a Reading player and everyone is looking forward to working with him. Having met Pavel, he is a top guy, his work ethic is excellent and I’m sure he will be very important to our group in the coming years.’

The signing of Pogrebnyak will send a notable message to the Premier League, showing that the Royals are keen to go places in the Premier League, despite being favourites for relegation. Brian McDermott has also been quick to say that Pogrebnyak will fit well into the Reading squad mentality and ethos.